You can help brighten holidays for families in need

Melanie a roof over her head and a steady job to provide for her two children.

That changed in the spring. Her company, with several plants throughout Greater Lowell, consolidated. The security Melanie felt was gone in an instant.

She has struggled since. The job market isn't good, she says, and interview after interview has brought no more work.

"I was collecting unemployment, and now they say they have no more money for an extension," she wrote The Sun Santa Fund. "I don't even know how I will be paying for my rent on Dec. 1 if I don't get a job soon."

Plus, Melanie's car needs repairs. She's been limping by, but it's one more expense when money is scarce.

"It's really hard to make Christmas happen," she wrote. "I hate not to be able to make my kids smile."

Melanie needs a helping hand from Sun Santa this year. Can you help?

Since its founding in 1989, Sun Santa has raised more than $2 million for families in need, providing groceries, toys and clothing. Last year, Sun Santa raised $230,000, breaking the previous year's record by $10,000. But with that increased generosity comes increased need. This year Sun Santa plans to assist to 1,800 families, about 100 more than last year.

For the last several years, Sun Santa has partnered with the Salvation Army and Community Teamwork Inc. to screen applicants and help distribute the vouchers. Salvation Army Maj. Everett Henry says they will be helping an additional 45 families this year.

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Although Sun Santa relies on sizable donations from many large organizations, many donations come from individuals who contribute $5 to $25.

Money raised for Sun Santa stays within the community. Last year, money raised came from more than 1,500 individual donors and several businesses from the area. More than 95 percent of the money raised goes directly to the families. The rest pays for Santa Fund expenses like stationery, envelopes and fundraising.

This year Sun Santa plans to deliver more than $160,000 worth of vouchers, which can be used by families for toys and clothing at Kmart in Tewksbury and Billerica, Rogers Toy Store in downtown Lowell and Target in Lowell. Grocery vouchers may be redeemed at all area Market Basket and Hannaford supermarkets.

State Rep. Jim Arciero will hold his second annual Toys for Tots West on Tuesday, Dec. 4, starting at 6 p.m., at the Overlook Restaurant at Nashoba Valley Ski Area. Attendees are asked to make a donation to the Sun Santa Fund or bring a new, unwrapped toy to be collected by the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard. Nashoba's owner, Al Fletcher, is generously donating the site and food to Sun Santa.

Arciero created the event last year, inspired by a similar Lowell event organized by his onetime boss, former state Sen. Steve Panagiotakos.

There will be auction items, raffle prizes, food and entertainment. Arciero is encouraging the public from all surrounding communities to attend. There will be live holiday music, food and and numerous raffles.

Lowell General Hospital will once again support Sun Santa with its annual Christmas basket raffles. Last year, the hospital matched money raised, donating $89,400 total.

This year's raffle is scheduled to run Dec. 12 to 21 at both the main and Saints campuses. Tickets are $1 each, 20 for $5. The final drawing will be held on Dec. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Auditorium on the main campus.

The Polish American Veterans Club, 201 Coburn St., Lowell, will host the 5th annual Mary Kuczek Family Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. Suggested donation is $5 for adults, children are free. The party include food, music, raffles and a visit from Santa.

Sun Santa will supply posters and canisters to any organization interested in fundraising this year. For information, call Ed Madden at 978-970-4712, or email sunsanta@lowell sun.com.

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